Mythical Series 1

By C J Austin

Jack and Sarah Carter work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on their most secret cases, ones that were only ever thought to be of myth and legend, but how wrong they were.

From the cold harsh mountains of Alaska to the deepest depths of downtown Detroit, the sibling duo must face it all. But with personal demons threat

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writend Publishing
• Release date: Jun 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781785201288

Book preview

Mythical

Flying High

CHAPTER 1

The cold wind brushed through the dark stone alleyway with an eerie force, the faint whistling of the wind was echoing through. The sound of rushing footsteps, could be heard crashing onto the cold, wet floor and rain water was splashing up the hard brick walls. The sound of heavy breathing was rushing through the empty alleyway. A sudden crash sounded through the air, as the frightened and rugged man ran into a trash can sending him to the floor with force.

GET AWAY FROM ME! Screamed the terrified man as he tried to pick himself up from the hard cold ground, but his hands were slipping on the wet surface as he tried desperately to scramble to his trembling feet, but to no avail. Please just leave me alone! He screamed once more as he tried to crawl along the ground, but something forced him to turn his head and look above him. A dark shadow clouded over him sending a nerve shredding shiver down his spine.

GET AWAY FROM ME, GET AWAY! He screamed one last time. The very last echo of his voice sounded through the alleyway until there was nothing but silence.

Another figure emerged from the shadows up ahead; his face filled with fear as the scraggily old man, slowly paced forward, his eyes firmly fixed on the man on the ground.

Hey mister are you okay? There was no reply as the ragged clothed man edged closer before leaning down to see if the figure on the ground was okay. He gently nudged him at first to try and get a response but nothing. The old man look up to see if anyone was nearby but his eyes could not focus properly, he looked back down and turned the man over onto his back and screamed in horror. The face of the victim had been clawed, it was unrecognisable, blood streamed from his lifeless body.

Suddenly a bright light shone down on the old man as he looked up to try and focus his eyes on what it was, a demanding voice said.

Don’t move, you’re under arrest.

I didn’t do this, said the old man in his croaky voice.

Shut up and put your hands behind your head. Two police officers cautiously approached him with one pointing his weapon firmly at the old frightened man.

I swear, I didn’t do it, he said once more as one of the officers lifted him from the ground and tightly placed the steel handcuffs around his wrists.

Tell it to the judge. Let’s go, The arresting officer led the old timer out of the alley, as he looked back and tried to figure out what had just happened.

I didn’t do it, he whispered as he was being led out of the darkness, his mind now wondering what exactly it was that did kill that poor man, and how he was going to convince the police that it really wasn’t him.

The next day…

Rushing footsteps, raced up the staircase into a narrow corridor. Either side were rooms with silver plated numbers mounted on the crisp white doors. Two figures raced to the end of the corridor until they came to the end door with the number twelve mounted on it.

Ok this is it, said an excited voice.

Why in the hell are you so happy about this? Asked the other as the two stood looking at this particular door.

Because, my dear brother, we haven’t had a case for months now, said Sarah, an FBI agent who worked for a secret service department.

We don’t even know what it is yet. It could just be another small gig that could just end up wasting our time. Jack was also an FBI agent who worked within the same secret service department alongside his partner and sister Sarah.

Just open the damn door so we can see. Jack pulled out a small silver key from his pocket and placed it within the keyhole, slowly turning it until he heard the click of the lock. He pushed the door open to an empty room with only a desk and chair by the window. Okay, let’s go see what we got.

Sarah pushed past her brother and quickly ran over to the desk, leaving Jack to trail behind as he closed the door quietly behind him.

Sarah picked up a brown file and pulled out a sheet of paper from within. Well this is interesting, she said as her eyes scanned the sheet.

Okay so, what have we got? Asked Jack, as he walked over to take a look.

Well, it says here that there have been four deaths in downtown New York, all of them suffering from the same fatal wounds.

Could be serial, said Jack as he peeped out of the window onto the busy street below.

Yeah it could be, except the fact that each of the victim’s faces was torn up and the police can’t identify the weapon used, hence why this case is right up our street, Jack turned to look at his sister.

Don’t you ever wonder why we never actually see the people that put us on these cases, I mean, we’re FBI agents and we have never even met our boss. Sarah smiled at her brother.

Hey don’t complain, most people would kill to have that kind of life in work. Anyway, it pays well so let’s get on it. Oh wait, it also says here they have arrested someone, some homeless guy that was found at the scene but so far all they’ve managed to get out of him was that he didn’t do it. So, I’m thinking we start with him first, before we go and take a look at the bodies.

It might be an idea to actually get to New York first, little sister.

Oh yeah, plane tickets. Sarah tipped the form to the side to reveal two plane tickets to New York.

Let’s go then, Jack headed out the door with Sarah rushing behind him as she placed the form back in the brown file.

They walked quickly down the corridor and onto the stairs, both eagerly anticipating their new case.

I’m kinda glad we’re going to New York, I’ve always wanted to try their bagels.

Seriously, Jack. You need to get a life.

One day later…..

Hey, I told you to sit down and shut up, a loud voice cast across the busy room of the New York police department. Police officers busy rushing around, some heading out and some heading in with criminals in their custody. The desk sergeant was busy rushing around behind his desk, frantically trying to sort through his ever mounting pile of paperwork as more and more people were being booked in. A voice suddenly shouted across at the sergeant.

I need to see one of your suspects please. It was Jack, as he and Sarah had arrived.

Yeah, so do I but I ain’t got time for all that, who are you anyway? Jack reached into his jacket pocket of his grey suit and pulled out his FBI badge.

My name is agent Jack Carter, and this is agent Sarah Carter. We’d like to speak with the suspect you have in custody over the four deaths you’ve had this past week. For some unknown reason the desk sergeant did not seem impressed by the presence of the FBI.

Listen here, those deaths were tragic but we got our man and he’ll be going down for a very long time, so I suggest you take your badge and you leave my building, because as far as I'm concerned, its case closed. Jack quickly turned to Sarah, as she stepped in to take control.

I don’t think you heard right, so let me make this clear, you take us to see your suspect so that we can interview him, or I’ll have you working in some back street burger bar by next week, your choice. The sergeant looked on at Sarah, a little puzzled and shocked.

I’ll tell you what; if I let you speak to him, will you then leave and never bother me again? Sarah smiled at him.

Anything you want sergeant. Now, if you don’t mind, we’re a little pushed for time, so could you at least point us in the right direction? The sergeant sighed as if it was too much hard work for him to point out where to go.

End of hall over there, turn left and its cell three. Sarah smiled as Jack just glared at him. The siblings walked off to head to the cell to see the suspect.

Can we just take his badge, anyway? Asked Jack as he looked behind him.

Come one now, dear brother, he was just a little stressed, don’t you remember those days?

Those days are too far behind me. Besides, I was never that much of a dick. Sarah sniggered at his comment as she led the way up the hall.

What’s so funny? Asked Jack as Sarah picked up her walking speed.

Nothing, come on. Let’s go see the man who apparently did the crime.

Knowing our luck, he probably did. Sarah laughed as she made her way through the door leading to the cells.

What cell was it again? asked Jack as he looked around him.

Cell three, which is right here. Sarah and Jack paused as they waited for the guard to come and open up the cell for them. The guard slowly walked towards them, jangling a set of keys in his hand.

Today would most definitely be great, thank you, said Jack sarcastically, as the guard opened up the cell. Thanks, said Jack as he allowed Sarah to enter the cell first.

Inside, the homeless old man, who been arrested for the murders, was curled up on the hard grey mattress in the corner, his head between his legs.

Hello, my name is Sarah and this is Jack. We’re from the FBI, can we ask you a few questions please? said Sarah softly. The old straggled man, lifted his head up, his eyes locking on with hers, his beard covering most of his face.

Just leave me alone, he said in a low sorry tone of voice.

Look, we’re not here to judge you. We’re here to help you, but we can’t do that unless you talk to us, Jack leaned against the wall as he watched Sarah take the lead. She slowly sat down beside him, his legs curled up to his chest.

I didn’t do anything wrong. I found that man lying there, but the police, they don’t believe me, his voice began to shake.

Okay, well why don’t you tell us exactly what happened in your own time. The old man raised his hand and wiped his eyes, as he began to tell his story.

I was just trying to sleep, that’s all, but then I hear this screaming and at first I just thought it was damn kids playing around. So I tried to get my head back down and ignore it, but then I hear this screaming again and it was getting closer, so I got up to take a look. Jacks eyes were firmly fixed on the old man.

Then what happened? Asked Sarah in a soft voice, flicking her blonde hair to the side.

I got up and I heard this scream once more, but then I heard nothing. So I went to take a look and there he, was just lying there. I thought that maybe he got mugged or something. So I went over to check on him. I tried talking but he didn’t answer me. He was face down, so I turned him over and that’s when I knew he was dead.

What had happened to him?

I don’t know, I didn’t see it happen. His face was…well, it was like giant claws had ripped his face apart, but I swear to you I didn’t do anything and I didn’t see anything. Sarah looked up at Jack to see if he was buying the story, and from Jack’s expression, he was.

What’s your name? Asked Sarah.

Billy, my name’s Billy.

Okay, Billy look, I believe you, I really do, but if you can remember anything and I mean anything at all. Billy squeezed his eyes closed as he tried to remember that night.

Well there was something, but I couldn’t really make it out, after I heard the last scream I saw this shadow just go over me. I mean, it could’ve been anything and I got to admit, I had hit the bottle that night too.

Jack rubbed the palm of his hand across his stubble as he tried to make some sense of the whole story.

Are you sure that’s it? Jack was determined to crack the case but with so little evidence both him and Sarah had an even more difficult task of finding the real killer.

So, you believe me then? Billy was beginning to sound a little more relieved.

From what I can tell so far, there is no actual evidence to link you to the death. And if I’m perfectly honest with you, I don’t even know why the police department is holding you, when there is so very little evidence against you. Sarah’s mind was certain and as she thought on she knew that Billy had to be released.

So, I’m free to go? He said in his croaky voice.

I’ll clear it with the sergeant, but I can’t see it being a problem, not unless they know something which we don’t. So just hang tight, okay, Sarah smiled as she turned to head out of the cell with Jack following behind her. Billy cupped his face in his dirty cold hands to try and hide away from the nightmare he had seemingly been dragged into.

So, what do you think? Asked Sarah as Jack leaned against the cold hard wall of the cell block.

He didn’t do it, you can tell he had no idea what the hell happened and I have no idea why this department is even putting him in the frame. Sarah sighed as she tried to figure out exactly what it was that Billy had seen.

We need to go to the crime scene, then go and check out the body, see what we can get from that. But before that, I need to go and have a little chat with the sergeant out there. Jack smiled as he knew what his sister was about to do. He stayed silent as he followed her back out into the main part of the police department.

The desk sergeant was still busy rushing around behind his work station, trying his best to keep up with the work load that had been piling up on his station since he began his duties.

Sergeant, can I have a word please? Shouted Sarah as she staggered up to the desk.

Can’t you see how busy I am, and besides, I thought I said after you seen the suspect, you were on your way? Sarah smiled as Jack stepped up beside her.

Yeah, it’s the suspect I want to talk to you about, because as far as I can see there is no evidence to link him to that death.

Well, it’s not your call, so my advice is to get the hell out of here and let me do my job. Sarah leaned across the desk, her piercing blue eyes staring into his.

That’s where you’re wrong, because we are taking over this case now, and you have exactly twelve hours to produce some evidence against the suspect, otherwise he walks free.

Just who in the hell do you think you’re talking too, lady?

I’m talking to someone who obviously has no idea how to do his job; and will put anyone that comes first in the frame before gathering evidence. So I’ll say it again, you’ve got twelve hours to give me something or I swear I’ll have you scrubbing toilets for the rest of your life, are we clear on that?

The sergeant looked in awe as Sarah made her demands.

Fine, okay, he said feeling disgruntled.

Good, now I want one of your officers to take us to the crime scene, right now. Sarah stepped away from the desk and gazed up at her older brother in success.

Hey Mack, get over here! shouted the sergeant to one of his officers. Take these two to the alley crime scene, but hurry up, I need you back here to help clean up this mess.

Sure thing, said Officer Mack, as he led the two FBI agents out of the building. Sarah looked behind her as she was walking out and gave a cheeky smile back to the sergeant to show his defeat.

Outside, the sky was grey, ready to pour down onto the busy city below. The streets were filled with rushing pedestrians going about their daily routines. Officer Mack opened up his patrol car and allowed Jack and Sarah into the back of the car, as he got behind the wheel ready to take them to the crime scene.

So, FBI, huh! He said curiously.

Yeah, that’s us. So what do you know about this case? Asked Jack as he leaned forward to listen to the officer.

Well, I was one of the officers who found the body, that’s when we pulled in the suspect. He says he didn’t do anything but I don’t believe him. Sarah grunted in disgust at the comment.

You’ve been hanging around with your sergeant too long.

I don’t understand?

Listen to me carefully, you cannot hold a suspect without any significant evidence and so far, you have none. Besides which, does not give you the right to make judgement on a man who clearly is devastated at the thought of being arrested for something he didn’t even do. So my advice is, do your job first before passing judgement. The officer was left stunned as he pulled off onto the busy roads. Jack leaned back into the seat as Sarah reached into her black blazer to pull out her phone.

That was a bit harsh don’t you think, he’s just a kid.

Oh I’m sorry but I don’t agree with passing judgement unless there is concrete evidence to support it.

There’s no need to take it out on him just because the sergeant is a complete waste of time.

Well thank you for your insight, I’ll be sure to put it in the I don’t give a damn file, Sarah huffed as she gazed out the patrol car window, looking at the passers by rushing around whilst squeezing her cell phone into her jean pocket instead of her blazer. Jack remained silent for the rest of the ride as he did not want to get into a dispute with his sister.

The rain was still managing to hold off as the patrol car pulled up onto a quiet street next to the alleyway where the death had occurred. Officer Mack jumped out to open the door for Jack and Sarah as they slowly got out.

The alley was narrow and wedged between two brick buildings, one a set of apartments and the other, a run-down mill.

Sarah peered down towards the yellow tape which had sectioned off the part where the body was found. Sarah and Jack headed into the alleyway leaving the officer to stand next to the patrol car.

So this is where it all happened, and we only have one witness who is also the suspect. This is going to be interesting, said Jack as he looked around from side to side, scanning the area.

All our cases are interesting; it’s just a matter of finding the right piece of the puzzle to connect it all together. Sarah ducked under the yellow tape to examine the ground where the body had laid. There are traces of blood here from the victim, the area seems pretty clear Jack joined her in the examination to see if he could find any evidence to help with their case.

What’s that over there? Jack pointed to something on the ground a few inches away from the body markings. Sarah leaned in to take a closer look as she pulled out a white rubber glove from her blazer pocket. She picked up a grey fragment.

It looks like stone. Jack stood to his feet and looked around to see if there was anything that matched the fragment of stone.

There’s nothing around that matches that, just the brick walls and trash, best bag it up, just in case. Jack pulled out a small evidence bag from his back trouser pocket and handed it to his sister. Could be something, it could be nothing, but either way, it’s a start he added as he climbed over the yellow tape. I wonder why the police department didn’t pick this up.

Sarah ducked back under the tape and walked beside her brother as they tried to make sense of it all.

We need to go and see the body. Maybe they missed something there too, said Sarah as the two arrived back at the patrol car. How did the victim die again? she asked the officer.

His face looked like it was clawed off with something but can’t be sure what with.

So did you actually find any evidence on the suspect to link him with the murder? Jack held his arm out in front of his sister and pulled her back towards the alleyway to have a quiet word with her.

Okay, I think you better let this one go now okay, we got a job to do and bitching to the police is not how we do this. Sarah brushed his arm away in frustration.

I am doing my job, and right now we got an innocent man sitting in a cell for something he clearly did not do, so don’t you dare lecture me on the job. Sarah went to walk off towards the patrol car but once again Jack stopped her with his arm.

I’m just looking out for you, you’re my little sister.

And that’s the problem isn’t it, because I’m not your little sister anymore. You cannot handle the fact that I can stand on my own two feet, now this conversation is over. So please, get out of my way and let me do my job.

Sarah pushed Jack’s arm to the side and stormed off towards the patrol car, leaving Jack to ponder for a moment. Jack had always been protective over his sister and has always felt he needs to be there for her to keep her on the straight and narrow. He dusted himself off and headed to the car with his head held high, deciding not to say anymore on the subject and finally leave his sister do things her way. Deep down he knew she was right, but pressuring the police department could jeopardise the entire case too, which Jack and Sarah would then have no result.

The rain had finally broken through the dark grey clouds, hammering onto the city below. People were rushing to find the nearest shelter to stay dry leaving others to get soaked through whilst rushing to catch the nearest cab.

The patrol car pulled into a small courtyard to the morgue, where the body had been taken for examination. It pulled up outside the cream coloured newly built building with its spot lights shining brightly through the torrential rainfall. Jack and Sarah quickly jumped out from the back of the patrol car and ran into the dry building, leaving the officer to wait for them outside. The rain bounced off the car with force as Jack took one last look behind him before making his way inside the silent building.

Sarah and Jack stood in the empty reception room eagerly waiting for someone to emerge to their assistance.

Listen, Sarah. I’m sorry about earlier, okay. I was out of line and I shouldn’t be trying to tell you how to do your job, you do it pretty well on your own. Sarah glanced up at her taller sibling.

Let’s just forget about and try to find out what the hell happened, come on obviously no one around here we can talk to, so we’ll just go find the body ourselves. Jack looked up to see a large figure racing towards them.

I think you spoke too soon, he said as he watched the figure waddle towards him.

Can I help you? Said a light hearted voice.

Yeah, I’m agent Jack Carter and this is agent Sarah Carter, FBI. We need to see the body of the victim from the alley incident. The short rounded man thought about it for a second before he realised who Jack was talking about.

Oh yes, that one. Of course, follow me. I’m Brendon by the way, I’m head of this place.

Nice to meet you, Brendon. I take it you’ve been extremely busy by the lack of staff around in this place. Jack and Sarah walked slowly with Brendon down the cold grey corridor.

You could say that and I’m already two guy’s down, so I’m working around the clock at the moment to get through everything. Suddenly Brendon stopped outside a frosted glass door. It’s in here, if you’d like to follow me. Brendon nudged the door open and stepped inside leaving Jack and Sarah to follow with a slightly nervous disposition. You’ll have to excuse the mess in here, like I said, we’re two people down and it’s been a total nightmare trying to catch up.

Brendon pushed his thick black glasses up towards his eyes, as he opened a steel door to pull out the ice cold bed from inside.

I will warn you this, it’s not a pretty sight at all. A click sounded as the bed reached the end of the rail, a pure white sheet covered the body as Jack and Sarah stood either side patiently waiting for Brendon to remove the sheet.

You ready? asked Brendon as he looked the brother and sister duo in the eyes, trying to see if either of them were going to look away. Brendon slowly pulled back the sheet still looking into the duo’s eyes as he revealed the victims face. So as you can see his face was pretty torn up. Jack leaned in for a closer inspection.

Okay, so have you come to any conclusion as to how the victim died? Asked Jack leaning back a little and glancing up at Brendon while awaiting his response.

"Well as far as